Picking the perfect destination for a bachelorette party can be just as daunting as choosing a venue or dress for the wedding. With the right friends and loved ones, any destination can be fun. The proper city, however, will bring out the best of the bridal party ahead of the big day.
The best way to bring out everyone’s best is to pick a destination that won’t be overrun with other bridal parties in popular cities such as Nashville and New Orleans. Nothing is worse than resorting to plan b options because other bridal parties book tours, accommodations, and spas years in advance.
The main goal of bachelorette parties is to spend quality time with the bride before her big day, celebrate the marriage, have fun, and create lifelong memories. That said, skip the popular bachelorette destinations for these underrated places instead.
Oceanside, California
About 40 minutes north of San Diego is the gem Oceanside. It’s underrated because brides typically choose Los Angeles, San Diego, or Palm Springs to party in southern California.
What’s excellent about Oceanside is there are a lot of activities to choose from to give the bride-to-be and her loved ones a variety for a more affordable price than other Southern California cities. From biking to Mission San Luis Rey, hiking the Coastal Rail Trail, visiting the Oceanside Museum of Art, or indulging at a local brewery, there’s plenty to keep the bridal party busy.
Brides won’t have to search far for a theme. Oceanside is known for its peaceful beach vibes so brides can use that as a starting point. Plan to spend time on one of the town’s nine public beaches and take a picture on the iconic Strand boardwalk and Harbor Village.
One of the best experiences for the bridal party is booking an artist experience at KNVS Bar. It’s where art and culinary meet. KNVS is an immersive art gallery and a restaurant bar. Bartenders take inspiration from visiting artists’ work to create a unique culinary and beverage arts menu.
Other options for nightlife include Coomber Craft Wines, Tap That Tap Room, The Draft, and The Alley, or what locals call a “fun dive bar.”
Cartagena, Colombia
For brides wanting a Caribbean party with fantastic food and drinks, skip Cancun and head to this gem instead. One pro about Cartagena is that there are many flight options in and out of the Caribbean city, making it a convenient location for the traveling bridal party. Another pro is that Cartagena is home to some of the Caribbean’s best seafood, street food, and vibrant parties.
The fun starts with the accommodation. In Cartagena, the best areas are in the Walled City, referred to as The Old City or Centro and San Diego. Other fun options are the vibrant neighborhoods of Getsemani, the bay of Bocagrande, El Laguito, and Castillo Grande.
The Baluarte Bar, Bazurto Social Club, Café del Mar, Havana, La Movida, and Taboo are some of Cartagena’s best bars and nightclubs.
Bridal parties that don’t mind spending a little extra for an exclusive experience and less stress can also book a VIP City Concierge. The local party expert will take care of the bridal party from when guests arrive until they depart.
Aside from activities such as a bike city tour, a tour of Totumo Volcano, and shopping, one experience the bridal party should embark on is renting a luxury party yacht or catamaran to sail the Rosario Islands. This is also an excellent opportunity to snorkel and partake in other water activities.
Sedona, Arizona
Brides looking for a relaxing destination and a little adventure will find their vices in the desert. Sedona is a great place to have fun and relax before the exciting day.
The best accommodations in Sedona will provide ways to wind down after a day of activities. Amara Resort and Spa does it right by offering a “Girlfriends Getaway Package” with a spa credit, breakfast, and a welcome glass of champagne. Another great option is The Wilde Resort and Spa. It’s an incredible property that offers yoga, a spa with a spa credit, and stunning views.
Bridal party guests should have pink jeep tours at the top of the itinerary during the stay. Guests will tour Sedona’s famous red-rock landscape and backcountry in style.
While many resorts offer yoga on-site, hiking trails for the bridal party, no matter fitness level, are The Birthing Cave, Sugar Loaf Loop, and Fay Canyon. Ziplining and wine tours are also popular activities in Sedona.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is an excellent option for brides looking for an intimate stay and connection with their bridal party. It’s a stunning island with incredible scenery, nightlife, and resorts.
For accommodations, Royalton St. Lucia, Coconut Bay, and Harbor Club St. Lucia are great options for bridal parties.
Brides who want to pamper themselves and their bridal party can do so with Body Holiday. The wellness resort is located on a secluded beach. One of the top experiences at the spa is the therapeutic care. Treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, and Thalasso therapy.
Rodney Bay is the go-to in St. Lucia for the nightlife and beaches. This area is home to many of the fun restaurants and bars on the island. Jacques Waterfront Dining, Tapas on the Bay, Chic, and Buzz Seafood and Grill are great restaurant options in this area.